Falling off a cruise ship can be very scary and potentially life threatening. In such a case, it is important to know what to do right away. The following article offers some helpful tips on what to do should you find yourself in this unfortunate, and undoubtedly scary, situation.

Steps

1

Never go out alone on a cruise ship, especially when the place you are going to seems lonely or has few people. This is typically where dangerous activity is most likely to happen. Always bring along someone else, or make sure plenty of others are around.

2

Thwart being thrown off, if possible. If someone begins to approach you strangely and picks you up/begins to push you, scream as loud as you can, and cry for help. In such dire situations, it is publicly acceptable to do anything to gain attention. Screaming "FIRE!" is likely to get others to notice than just "Help!" Bite, spit on, kick, or do anything else to defend yourself on the person attempting to hurt you. While this may seem like a joke, it is what people are advised to do if approached by an attacker and not at all a joke. This may help repel the attacker.

3

If you are thrown off or fall off, try to hang onto something. For example, if the ship has several decks and you happen to pass by other decks as you drop, grab hold of the railings or other bearings.

4

Once you are in the water, scream as loud as you can. DO NOT take your time - it is a matter of life and death. Scream, "HELP! I'M DROWNING! RESCUE ME! I'M DYING!", or anything else you can think of.

5

Stay afloat.Don't panic. Move your arms and legs back and forth, doing free-stroke. Hang onto anything that may have fallen off the ship as a result of your descent, such as a plank of wood, or anything else that floats.

6

Continue to scream even if someone on the ship sees and runs off to get help. You need as much attention as possible.

7

Unfortunately, the ship might go far away soon without anyone noticing. Wave your arms up in the air to signal help. If you see any ships near, continue to do so. Hang onto a branch if you can see it.

8

If you can see shore, then swim towards it. This is a last-ditch effort. If shore is nowhere nearby but there is an island, and you happen to make it successfully, be prepared to survive in the wild until rescue comes.

9

If you do happen to be rescued, seek medical attention immediately. Chances are, you will be injured and in some kind of trauma. Report the case to authorities in the ship immediately. If you are in trauma, or are scared, remind yourself that you have survived falling off a ship, and tell yourself that you will recover in the end.

10

Be reasonable. If you have been stranded for more than about three or four hours and no ships have happened to pass by, your chances of survival are extremely low. While it may be depressing, console yourself with memories of good times..

How many people actually fall or are pushed off a cruise ship, percentage wise?

wikiHow Contributor

Between 20 to 30 people go overboard from a cruise ship in any given year, whether by suicide, accident or foul play. About 22% of those people survive and are rescued. (These are reader sourced statistics, you would need to double check if quoting for anything.)

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Tips

If you know that you are being stalked or in danger, be careful beforehand.

If you and others fall off at the same time, hold yourselves together, with children in the middle and healthy adults on the outside, to share body heat and avoid drowning. Talk to them, perhaps about what to do, and ensure that everyone stays awake.

Carry a flotation device with you if you are in isolated locations.

In cold waters, assume the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Position). This is where you roll up into a ball with your chest against your thighs, while gripping your ankles. This will allow your body to retain heat longer, and could save your life if it gives more time for a ship to come by.

Warnings

Never jump off a ship for fun. It is not funny and could result in death.

If you and others are holding together, do not let others fall asleep, or else they will likely die.